Futures Triangle

To map and discuss the drivers, constraints, and aspirations influencing possible futures. Helps groups move from abstract ideas to more structured insights. 

1. Draw or display a large triangle. Label each side as follows:
   
• Pull of the future: What visions, hopes or expectations are drawing us forward?
• Push of the present: What trends, drivers,or innovations are pushing change now?
• Weight of the past: What legacies, habits, or structures are holding things in place?
  
  
2. Invite participants to brainstorm ideas for each corner of the triangle, either as a whole group or in smaller teams. Use sticky notes for easy movement and clustering.
3. Once the triangle is filled in, discuss the dynamics:
   
• Where is the tension?
• What seems to have the most influence?
• Are there contradictions between past, present, and future forces?
4. Groups can compare triangles or move into identifying leverage points or scenario starting points.

Facilitation tips

• Clarify that this is not about right or wrong answers. Instead, it’s a way of surfacing shared (and divergent) understandings.
• If participants get stuck, use prompts like: “What’s one thing everyone assumes will happen?” or “What’s holding us back from change?”
• This method pairs well with Horizon Scanning or Futures Wheel as a follow-up.

Developed by Sohail Inayatullah, the Futures Triangle is part of his broader work in futures thinking and causal layered analysis (CLA).